Cricket launches Groove Smartphone for its holiday lineup

Cricket has just announced a new Android smartphone hitting the market just in time for the holiday season. The device is the carrier's newest Muve Music capable Android smartphone too. Cricket intends to launch the phone November 21 on its prepaid network for $129.99.

The phone is not a high-end phone by any means, but for the price, it's not bad. It comes with Android 2.3 installed. It has an 800MHz processor and a 1500mAh battery. It also comes with a 3.5-inch HVGA TFT touchscreen. While it's not going to compete with likes of, say, a Galaxy S III, it appears that it can hold its own in the competitive smartphone market.

With Muve Music and a service plan starting at $50 per month, users of the phone can get access to unlimited downloads of their favorite music and access to exclusive artist commentary. It also allows them to download video through Muve Music's monthly artist programs. There is no contract to use the data or music services available in the device.

The device also comes with a 3.2MP rear-facing camera and a .3MP front-facing camera. It also has Wi-Fi tethering for sharing your phone's Internet connection with another device. If you're looking for an affordable, entry-level smartphone for yourself or a loved one, this might be a good option to consider.